O'Neill defers PSNI probe as UUP backs motion to bar her from office
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she will address the PSNI investigation later, while the UUP pledged support for the TUV's motion to suspend her from ministerial duties after the Garvaghy Road protest.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, under Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, has launched a major criminal investigation into the mass unlawful protest on Garvaghy Road that aimed to halt a parade, with First Minister Michelle O’Neill among those publicly present. O’Neill responded that she will address the investigation "further down the tracks." The Traditional Unionist Voice submitted a section-30 exclusion motion to bar O’Neill from holding any ministerial post for a year, claiming she no longer enjoys the confidence of the Assembly.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows announced that the UUP will support the motion, while urging calm and accountability. Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald reiterated that no one is above the law and called for a solution that excludes the march. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant met with parties as the Drumcree dispute remains unresolved, and police offered further meetings with community groups.
Why it matters
The investigation and exclusion motion could reshape Northern Ireland's power-sharing and affect the handling of future protests.
How this story developed
- Sep 22 Garvaghy Road residents urge parade regulator to block Orange Order march
- Sep 25 The Parades Commission has now granted permission for a limited march on Garvaghy Road.
- Sep 26 High Court issues temporary injunction preventing the Orange Order march on Garvaghy Road.
- Sep 27 Courts cleared the way for the Orange Order parade, but protesters blocked Garvagh Road.
- Sep 28 Breandán Mac Cionnaith announced a new negotiation process as the Garvaghy Road blockade eased.
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